A Guide To Protecting Your Equipment This Winter - Tardis Hire
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This is Tardis’s guide on how to protect equipment in winter. With the cold weather, equipment can be prone to certain damages and breaks, so ensure it.

CONTENTS

1. On-demand electric water pumps & petrol pumps.

2. Water tanks & IBC’s.

3. Gas shower blocks.

4. Solar loos.

5. Solar panels.

6. Boot washes.

7. Water systems.

8. The Optimal.

9. Let us help you beat the freeze.

ON-DEMAND ELECTRIC WATER PUMPS & PETROL PUMPS.

When not using a water pump, ensure you disconnect the water supply and drain all water from the pump.

Petrol pumps turn off the supply and drain the pump head and any connected hoses to avoid damaging valves or pipework.

To drain the pumps, remove the drain plug at the base of the pump head, as shown to the right. Proceed to drain all the water from the pump; this will prevent it from freezing and damaging it.

Our protective boxes will shield your pump from the elements. However, they do not guard against freezing temperatures. When temperatures drop below zero, it’s best to remove, drain, and store the pump indoors.

An insulated box can be constructed for on-demand pumps if the pump can draw air from the fan at the back.

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WATER TANKS & IBC’S

If larger storage tanks are left for longer periods, drain them where possible. Failing that, proceed to page 1 to remove the pump. Then, look to protect the outlet valve with insulation to prevent it from freezing and cracking.

If smaller storage tanks are left for longer periods, drain them where possible. Failing that, proceed to page 1 to drain the pump and pipework where the pump is fixed to the trailer. Drain the IBC tank when not in use for long periods. Where that is not possible, refer to page 1 to drain and remove the pump. We also offer an IBC jacket to offer protection against frost and UV if required.

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GAS SHOWER BLOCKS.

In the winter, it’s important to keep the doors of all shower blocks closed to prevent the pipes inside from freezing.

All four showers get their hot water from a boiler. The pipes connecting the boiler to each shower head are not always heated, making them vulnerable to frost.

The boiler should be disconnected and drained when it is not being used because it only heats water when needed.

It would be best if you drained the boiler using the valves under it. After draining the boiler, press all four shower buttons. This will help remove as much water as possible from the pipes.

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SOLAR LOOS.

Tardis Solar Loos come with central heating. You can set it with a timer or a thermostat for frost protection. Make sure it is set to at least 3 degrees Celsius.

To protect against frost, keep the doors of these insulated units closed at all times, except when you need to enter or exit.

Make sure the diesel tank never goes below a quarter full. This way, the unit can start frost protection when needed.

To keep the unit collecting power in winter, you need to keep the solar panels clear. This will help them get as much sunlight as possible. Please see page 6 for more details.

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SOLAR PANEL’S.

Solar panels must be kept clear and clean to achieve maximum peak efficiency. Even a slight layer of dust can prevent a solar panel from working at its peak performance. Snow must be removed to allow the panels to receive sunlight and work at their most efficient. Here are the best ways to clean a solar panel.

1. Use warm, soapy water to clean the panels with a soft microfibre cloth.

2. Use a hose pipe to spray the panels to remove dust or debris.

3. Use a soft-bristled brush or leaf blower to remove snow.

4. Call us on 0800 7310589 for cleaning services.

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BOOT WASH

Turn off the water supply to the boot wash. Then, open the isolation valve for all the brushes on the unit. This will help the unit drain.

Failure to do so could result in pipework, valves or brushes being damaged due to frost.

To empty the catchment tank, open the valve at the bottom of the boot wash. This will let out the water that might freeze and will keep the tank from being full.

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WATER SYSTEMS.

Outside of the pump, protecting your water system in sub zero temperatures can be difficult. At Tardis we offer a variety of ways to improve your chances of beating the frost this winter.

The part of a temporary water system that is least likely to freeze is the bulk water section. It is more likely for the pipes to freeze.

We can provide pipe insulation for pipe sizes between 10mm and 89mm if needed. The insulation will cover the pipes from the water source to where the water goes.

We sell tank jackets for our IBCs. They protect against frost and UV rays. We can also provide insulated water tanks in large sizes if needed.

The best way to protect pipes is with heat tracing. Each thermostat needs a 240v 16amp power supply. One thermostat can heat 50 meters of trace cable.

The cable will work with a thermostat. It will turn on only when the temperature goes below 3 degrees.

For more pipework then multiple thermostats can be used to heat trace more than 50m of cable at a time.

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THE OPTIMAL 2K .

To address many winter season problems, we at Tardis have created the Optimal 2k.

This unit boasts a 2000-liter capacity and includes a 240v on-demand water pump. It features fully insulated walls, lockable doors, a thermostatically controlled tube heater, and a motion sensor light.

There is a low water alarm with a flashing light. It has an extra power connection for heating. All these features are in a smart, self-contained unit.

This is the ultimate winter protection unit for a temporary water supply.

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At Tardis, we are committed to keeping your water supply running this winter. Let us help you keep your water system working smoothly during this season.

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